Retired Fallbrook general to lead state parks

Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday tapped a retired general from Fallbrook to lead the scandal-ridden California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Ret. Maj. Gen. Anthony Jackson will lead the agency following revelations over the summer that the previous director was hiding a $54 million surplus while preparing to close 70 campgrounds, trails and historic sites.

Jackson, 63, of Fallbrook, was the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West. He served 36 years in the Marines.

“Major General Jackson brings more than 30 years of problem-solving and management experience to Parks, serving most recently as the Commanding General of Marine bases across the Southwestern U.S. and tens of thousands of troops and civilians,” Brown said in a statement. “Under Major General Jackson’s leadership, I am confident that the stewardship of California’s beaches, forests, estuaries, dunes and wetlands is in good hands and that the confidence and trust of Californians in our Parks Department will be restored.”

Jackson did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Jackson’s appointment pays $150,112 and requires confirmation by the Senate.

In his latest role, Jackson was responsible for the command and control of Marine Corps installations in the Southwestern United States, including oversight of administration, financial, military, construction and energy program. That included 13,000 employees and more than 60,000 Marines and sailors, according to his biography.